This weekend is Father's Day and you might be wondering what fun, out of the box things can I do with Dad this year? I have some suggestions for you! There are some discounts & specials going on just for dads at local establishments as well as some personal ideas from me for ya! These are kid friendly but for events that might involve beer, that is up to the parents personal preference.
Here are some local events that are free!
Charles River Adventure Day: Saturday 10am-1pm
On Saturday June 16th, bring dad for a free day of fishing and kayaking along the Charles River! You'll also get a history lesson while there, as professional staff from the Esplanade Association and Charles River Charters will teach participants about the history and facts about the Charles River.
For tickets just to reserve your spot, go HERE
Daddy & Me Karate Bootcamp: Saturday 1:30pm-3:30pm at Tony Williams Dance Center in JP
Get your Cobra Kai on with dad at karate bootcamp in Jamaica Plain! You get to learn how to break boards and do karate chops. This is a free event and lunch will be provided. Can't get better than that!
To reserve your spot and for more info visit their Facebook page.
TreeTop Adventures: Sunday June 17th 9am-8pm
Take your father climbing at TreeTop Adventures in Canton! Dads get to climb for free on this day, Sunday, Father's Day. This would be a fun outdoor activity to do with dad where you get strapped into a harness and climb over obstacles and up high over tight ropes. It would be an adventurous day for you and dad for sure!
Walk ins are welcome here but to reserve a spot visit their website HERE
Father's Day Jazz Service: 9:30am
If dad is a big jazz fan, the First Congregational Church UCC in Farmington, NH will be hosting a seven piece jazz emsemble that is lead by Interim Pastor Kent Schneider on Trumpet. They will be playing songs by Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, and Horace Silver. The choir will also partake.
Location: 400 Main Street in downtown Farmington. For more info, visit their website, HERE
Paid for events locally include:
The 24th Annual Father's Day Road Race and Family Fun Walk: Sunday June 17th at 9am
At the Children's Museum in North Easton, MA, they are hosting their annual Father's Day race and walk. You can partake in 3 different events:
A) The USATF 5k
B) The USATF 10k run
C) 5k non-competitive Family Fun walk
This is an annual fundraiser and it includes cash prizes, food, music, runner goody bags, balloons, drinks, ice cream, and a lot more!
Tickets: $25 for pre-registration, $35 day off, and $10 for just walkers
Visit their website, HERE
Sail on board the Liberty Clipper: Saturday June 16th
Spend a day out on the water! If dad is into ships or just loves being out on the water, take him aboard one of the tall ships! Kids get a special discount of $10 per ticket on this day with the price of one adult ticket for dad, which is $40.
Visit their website to purchase tickets, HERE
Visit the Newport Car Museum: 10am
If dad is a car guy, then this is the place to take him! You should see some of their cars! Take him to the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth, RI. Tickets are $8 for kids, $15 for seniors, and dads actually get in for free on Father's Day!
Visit their website, HERE
Animal Adventures: Sunday June 17th
Spend a day seeing the animals with dad. If you have young kids and they love going to the petting zoo and maybe dad is a nature, animal enthusiast, this is the place for you! Located in Bolton, MA. They have some special animal events happening on Father's Day such as a presentation of their "Father Figure" Animals happening at 12noon and 2pm on Sunday.
Tickets: $14
Visit their Website for more info!
I have some personal thoughts and ideas that would be good for Father's Day. I personally think there are two to three things dad would like on Father's Day.
1) Time with his family and kids.
It doesn't matter what you do, just spending time together is important to him. You could sit down and watch a movie together, go for a nice walk, take the dogs together for a walk (if you have dogs), or throw the ball around in the yard.
2) Good Food & Drinks
Even if dad is on a diet, he deserves a cheat day! Whether it's good barbacue, beer, pizza, or wings, he doesn't discriminate! Throw some meat on the grill at your house and have a little Father's Day barbecue, take him out for pizza at his favorite place, or take him to a local brewery for some good beer. All are appropriate, good ideas to treat dad to some delicious food. Or just ask him where he'd like to go if he wants to go out to eat and take him out on Father's Day. Food is usually always a good idea for dad.
3) Give him some peace
Legit. As much as dad loves you, he also wants some peace and quiet. After spending time with the fam, he might want a nice restful nap so let him have it! He also might want to lounge in his chair and watch sports and be left in peace. Let him do that too! Whatever type of "rest" or "peace" he wants, let him have it. Don't desert him all together, obviously, check in with him, see what he wants, hang out, then leave him be. Especially busy dads want that 10 mins or so to themselves to recharge. Whether it's to get in a quick nap, check social media, read, whatever, let him have a little peace!
Whatever you do this Father's Day, I hope it's an enjoyable one. I want to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father's Day! Have a great weekend & enjoy!
-Producer Lightning